Archive of entries posted by Richard

Novak Djokovic survives US Open R1, but energy drop raises alarm

Posted by on

Novak Djokovic made a winning start at the US Open, ousting the young gun Learnen Tien 6-1, 7-6, 6-2 in two hours and 25 minutes at Arthur Ashe Stadium. However, the Serb's performance raised concerns about his physical state.

The 24-time Major champion looked sharp in the opening set, outplaying his rival on serve and return and racing through it in 24 minutes. Still, the second set told a different story, as Djokovic began to struggle with endurance after long exchanges.

The Serb looked surprised by how difficult it was to recover between extended rallies. His movement and shot consistency also dipped as unforced errors crept in.

Novak required a medical timeout for a minor foot issue after the second set, which further added to the unease. He regained his rhythm in the third set and sealed the deal without spending more time on the court. 

However, the brief collapse in energy levels highlighted the challenge Djokovic faces on the big scene at 38. The Serb has two rest days ahead of the next clash against another young American.

He will aim to restore balance to the physical side of his game and prepare to chase a spot in the last 32. Endurance and recovery have always been among his biggest strengths, and Novak would not like to play without those aces in the sleeve.

Sustaining that level deep into best-of-five encounters is crucial if he is to remain a serious contender for the title and his 25th Major crown. For Djokovic, the victory was reassuring, but the battle with his body might be the greater test in New York than the rival across the net.

Novak Djokovic, US Open 2025

Novak Djokovic, US Open 2025© Stream screenshot

 

"I made a great start. I claimed the first set in just over 20 minutes and felt very good on the court. We embraced a couple of extended games at the beginning of the second set, and then I started feeling really bad physically.

I have no idea why, and it surprised me. We had long exchanges. My level dropped a bit and caused many unforced errors, which allowed Learnen to get back into the game.

I'm glad I rebounded after the second set and played well in the third to finish the job. There are positive aspects, but I wish some things had not happened, like how I felt physically in the second set.

I hope it will not happen again because it will make my life on the court much more difficult. Luckily, I have two days off. However, things are a bit concerning. I do not have any injury or anything similar.

I just struggled to endure long rallies and recover after those exchanges. I have not played an official match in six weeks. In the end, I put one more ball in the court than Learnen in the crucial points, which made me through," Novak Djokovic said.

US Open 2025: Record Prize Money And Key Player Updates

Posted by on

The 2025 U.S. Open, set to commence on August 24, has announced a record-breaking total prize pool of $90 million, marking a 20% increase from the previous year and the largest in tennis history. Both men's and women's singles champions will receive $5 million each, up from $3.6 million in 2024. Prize money escalates through each round, starting at $110,000 for players in the round of 128. In doubles, champions will receive $1 million, while mixed doubles winners also take home $1 million, reflecting increased payouts across all categories. These hikes respond to player demands for better compensation.

Top seed and defending U.S. Open champion Jannik Sinner has confirmed he is fit to compete in the tournament, despite a recent virus that forced him to withdraw from a warm-up event while trailing Carlos Alcaraz. The Italian world number one stated he is not yet at full strength but expects to be ready in time. Sinner, who has won four Grand Slam titles including the 2025 Australian Open and Wimbledon, enters the event with renewed composure after a turbulent 2024 marked by cleared drug test allegations. Reflecting on his rivalry with world number two Alcaraz, he emphasized its importance for the sport's future but warned against complacency due to intense ATP Tour competition. Sinner remains focused on continuous improvement as competitors become more familiar with his playing style.

World number one Aryna Sabalenka is aiming to break a decade-long U.S. Open trend where no woman has successfully defended the title since Serena Williams' wins from 2012 to 2014. Returning as the 2024 champion, Sabalenka arrives in New York after a mixed season, finishing runner-up in two Grand Slams and reaching the semi-finals in another. Acknowledging the pressure of defending her title, she remains optimistic, drawing strength from her past success and growth. Sabalenka also reflected on how her former coach, Gavin MacMillan, helped her recover her serve during a career crisis—though he is now coaching American Coco Gauff. Despite the challenge of possibly losing her world number one ranking if she falls short, Sabalenka remains positive about her season and determined to improve further for next year.

Novak Djokovic is set to begin his U.S. Open campaign without participating in a competitive match since Wimbledon, opting instead for several weeks of intensive training and time with family. Currently ranked world number seven, the 38-year-old Serbian is prioritizing Grand Slam tournaments as he pursues a record 25th major title. Djokovic deliberately skipped the U.S. Open tune-up events in Toronto and Cincinnati, citing his preference to control his schedule and his diminishing interest in lengthy Masters tournaments. He expressed a desire to focus on quality over quantity in his career’s later stage. As a co-founder of the Professional Tennis Players Association, Djokovic also addressed recent controversies over the extended two-week format of Masters events, criticizing the inflexible long-term contracts and the limited engagement of top players in negotiations. Additionally, he praised increases in Grand Slam prize money but emphasized the ongoing global struggle for lower-ranked players to earn a sustainable income from the sport, especially when accounting for inflation.

In the realm of emerging talent, 17-year-old American Darwin Blanch has made a significant impact by winning the U.S. National Under-18 Championship, earning him a wild card entry into the main draw of the 2025 U.S. Open. Trained at the JC Ferrero Tennis Academy in Spain since 2022, Blanch showcased his skills at the ATP 250 Winston-Salem tournament, where he secured his first official ATP Tour victory by defeating veteran Borna Coric. Currently ranked 409th in the world, Blanch's aggressive playing style, maturity, and mental strength position him as a rising star in American tennis. His participation in the U.S. Open marks a significant milestone in his promising career.

As the U.S. Open approaches, the tennis world is abuzz with anticipation. The tournament not only offers record-breaking prize money but also features compelling storylines, including defending champions aiming to break historical trends, seasoned players adjusting their strategies, and young talents making their mark on the sport's grandest stage. Fans worldwide are eager to witness the unfolding drama and athleticism that the U.S. Open consistently delivers.

GranbyTennis.com

Veteran Doubles Players Shine In U.S. Open’s Revamped Mixed Doubles Event

Posted by on

The U.S. Open's reimagined mixed doubles competition has kicked off with veteran doubles specialists outshining top singles stars in the early matches. The event, which now precedes the main singles draw, has attracted significant attention due to its innovative format and the participation of prominent players.

In the opening match, defending champions Andrea Vavassori and Sara Errani, both seasoned doubles players from Italy, defeated the duo of Elena Rybakina and Taylor Fritz with a score of 4-2, 4-2. Their performance highlighted the depth of experience and coordination that seasoned doubles players bring to the court.

Similarly, the pairing of Caty McNally and Lorenzo Musetti showcased their doubles prowess by overcoming the team of Naomi Osaka and Gael Monfils, winning 5-3, 4-2. This match underscored the strategic play and synergy that veteran doubles players often exhibit, which can be challenging for singles specialists to counter.

The revamped mixed doubles format has been a focal point of discussion. Organizers have streamlined the event to feature 16 teams, with entries based on combined singles rankings and wild-card selections. This structure aims to elevate the profile of mixed doubles by involving high-profile singles players, thereby increasing fan engagement and media coverage.

However, the changes have not been without controversy. Some doubles specialists have expressed concerns over the new format and the allocation of wild cards, arguing that it may undermine the traditional doubles circuit. In response, organizers have reallocated last year's mixed doubles prize pool to traditional doubles events, aiming to balance player earnings and maintain the integrity of both formats.

The mixed doubles event has also seen unexpected developments. World number one Jannik Sinner withdrew from the competition due to illness, leading to the inclusion of American players Danielle Collins and Christian Harrison as replacements. Despite this setback, the event has garnered large crowds and enthusiastic responses, indicating a positive reception to the new format and its potential to rejuvenate interest in mixed doubles tennis.

As the U.S. Open progresses, the mixed doubles competition continues to evolve, offering fans a fresh perspective on the sport and highlighting the enduring appeal of doubles play. The outcomes of these matches may influence future tournament structures and the integration of singles and doubles events, reflecting the dynamic nature of professional tennis.

Granby Tennis

Venus Williams Returns To U.S. Open At 45 With Wild Card Entry

Posted by on

At 45, Venus Williams has received a wild card entry into the 2025 U.S. Open, marking her return to Grand Slam singles competition after a two-year hiatus. Williams, a two-time U.S. Open singles champion, last competed in a major tournament at the 2023 U.S. Open and hasn't secured a singles win there since 2019.

This wild card entry makes Williams the oldest player in the singles draw since Renee Richards in 1981. Her return follows a 16-month absence from the tour, during which she made a comeback at the DC Open, becoming the oldest woman to win a tour-level singles match since 2004.

In addition to her singles participation, Williams will compete in the newly introduced mixed doubles event alongside fellow American Reilly Opelka. The mixed doubles tournament, offering a $1 million prize, is scheduled for August 19-20 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

Williams' return has garnered significant public interest, not only for her on-court achievements but also due to her recent engagement to Italian actor Nicholas Hammond. Her participation in the U.S. Open adds to the excitement surrounding the tournament, as fans eagerly anticipate her performance on the hard courts of Flushing Meadows.

The 2025 U.S. Open is shaping up to be a memorable event, with Williams' return adding to the rich history of the tournament. As the competition approaches, tennis enthusiasts are looking forward to witnessing the resurgence of a legend in the sport.

Granby Tennis Club

Zverev Training with Toni Nadal at Rafa Nadal Academy

Posted by on

Alexander Zverev said he's considering new coaching options, could Toni Nadal fill the bill?Arthur Rinderknech

By Richard Pagliaro | @TennisNow | Monday, July 14, 2025
Photo credit: Ibrahim Ezzat-Nur Photo-Getty

Alexander Zverev handed Rafa Nadal the last loss of his Roland Garros career.

Now, Zverev is training with Toni Nadal at the Rafa Nadal Academy in an effort to rebuild his confidence and revitalize his game.

Tennis Express

The 2021 Olympic gold-medal champion has been working under the watchful eye of Toni Nadal at the Rafa Nadal Academy in preparation for the North American summer hard-court season.


Two weeks ago, Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech completed a five-set win over Zverev in the Wimbledon first round. Rinderknech won 44 of 55 trips to net and denied all nine break points he faced.

Afterward, Zverev said the prestigious Centre Court lawn felt like a deep hole he couldn't escape.

Six months after his surge to the Australian Open final, Zverev suffered his second career Wimbledon first-round exit and opened up on the malaise he's feeling.

"I would say more mental, probably. It's funny, I feel very alone out there at times," Zverev said. "I struggle mentally. I've been saying that since after the Australian Open. Yeah, just don't know. I'm trying to find ways, trying to find ways to kind of get out of this hole. I keep kind of finding myself back in it in a way.

"Yeah, I don't know. I feel, generally speaking, quite alone in life at the moment, which is a feeling that is not very nice."

In his parting presser at SW19, Zverev said it's possible he could hire a new coach and conceded he's out of answers on court.

"Possibly," Zverev said when asked about a new coach. "As I said, yeah, it's a different feeling right now for me. I can't speak for the moment. But I think I'll have answers by Canada." 

While Zverev has worked with high-profile coaches in the past—including David Ferrer, who helped guide him to the US Open final and former No. 1 Juan Carlos Ferrero, who has been exceptionally successful coaching Carlos Alcaraz—he continues to return to the familiarity of his father, Alexander Zverev, Sr., as coach.

Toni Nadal, known as a savvy and tough taskmaster, spent some time working with Felix Auger-Aliassime after stepping down as Rafa Nadal's official coach.

Could Toni Nadal's training block with Zverev lead to a role as coach or co-coach of the German? Time will tell.

Wimbledon | Fritz scrapes into S/F to face an imprerious Alcaraz

Posted by on

The last time an American won Wimbledon was 25 years ago courtesy of Pete Sampras and there is an outside chance that the trophy might go back to the US this year after the first step was taken by Fritz Taylor who defeated Karen Khachanov to reach the semi-finals for the first time. His American […]

The post Wimbledon | Fritz scrapes into S/F to face an imprerious Alcaraz appeared first on Tennis Threads Magazine.

Alcaraz: Grass Game Most Beautiful Form of Tennis

Posted by on

"The style that the people bring to the court when they play on grass, I think is so beautiful," Carlos Alcaraz said. Alcaraz

By Richard Pagliaro | @TennisNow | Saturday, June 28, 2025
Photo credit: Rob Newell/CameraSport

An old adage states beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Grass-court tennis is the game’s most alluring surface for Carlos Alcaraz.

Tennis Express

Two-time Wimbledon champion Alcaraz proclaims the lawn game is the most transcendent tennis for players and fans.

“I think the most beautiful tennis that we can watch is on grass,” Alcaraz told the media at Wimbledon today. “The style that the people bring to the court when they play on grass, I think is so beautiful.

“The sound of the ball. The movement is really tough, but when you get it, it's kind of you're flying (smiling).”

 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 
 

 
 

A post shared by Wimbledon (@wimbledon)

Grass rewards the five-time Grand Slam champion’s athleticism, aggression and all-court acumen, which are among the reasons Alcaraz loves lawns.

“It's just pretty well to me because I really want to hit slices, dropshots, going to the net all the time, playing aggressively,” Alcaraz said. “I think on grass it's the style that you have to play. So that's what I like the most.”

Riding a career-best 18-match winning streak into his Wimbledon title defense, Alcaraz opens Centre Court play against Italian veteran Fabio Fognini on Monday at 1:30 p.m.

It’s Alcaraz's first match since he beat Jiri Lehecka to win Queen’s Club—his fourth career grass-court championship equaling Rafa Nadal and Feliciano Lopez for most by a Spanish man in the Oepn Era.

 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 
 

 
 

A post shared by Wimbledon (@wimbledon)

The two-time reigning Roland Garros and Wimbledon winner is aiming to join Bjorn Borg, Pete Sampras, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic in capturing three consecutive Wimbledon crowns in the Open Era.

Alcaraz said today he’s hunting the title—not necessarily that legacy list.

“I'm coming here thinking that, yeah, I really want to win the title. I really want to lift the trophy,” Alcaraz said. “Not thinking about how much players have done it, you know, winning three Wimbledons in a row.

“I'm just thinking about, okay, I just want to be ready and just want to prepare myself in the best way possible, just to start the tournament with a lot of confident. Obviously I feel a lot of confident right now (smiling).

"But just thinking about still going forward, it's still doing the good things, and start the tournament. So two weeks could be really long on a Grand Slam, but right now I'm not thinking about who I could join if I win three Wimbledons in a row.”

While media and fan speculation over Alcaraz’s relationship with US Open mixed doubles partner Emma Raducanu has run rampant since his UK return, the five-time Grand Slam champion has been busy teeing off with another British major winner.

“I play some golf. Actually, I play with Andy Murray on Monday and a few more players,” Alcaraz said of post Queen’s Club activity. “Just went to the center a little bit. Just wanted to go to the center a little bit, walk around, have a good food, and just having quality time with them doing some stuff that probably I wouldn't be able to do it while the tournament is on.”

Wimbledon | Preview – Whose year is this? Sabalenka, Gauff, Pegula or dark horse Swiatek?

Posted by on

The draw for the Ladies Singles Championships was made on Friday, including direct entries, wild-cards and qualifiers, all 128 of them, who now know who they must face to advance from Monday onwards, if they are to stay in the running to lift the Venus Rosewater Dish on Saturday 12 July.   

The post Wimbledon | Preview – Whose year is this? Sabalenka, Gauff, Pegula or dark horse Swiatek? appeared first on Tennis Threads Magazine.

Djokovic's Last Wimbledon Dance?

Posted by on

The Grand Slam king talks up his chances ahead of his Alexandre Muller

By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Saturday June 28, 2025

He’s 38. He’s done everything there is to do in the sport. Well, almost everything…

Tennis Express

Novak Djokovic doesn’t stand atop the all-time Wimbledon men’s singles titles list, and he isn’t the oldest man to ever win a major singles title. If he can somehow find a way to be the last man standing at the end of this Wimbledon fortnight, he could add a few select chapters to his voluminous legacy.

At Wimbledon, most agree that it is Djokovic’s best chance. The Serbian legend himself said so on Saturday during his pre-tournament media conference. Maybe it’s even his last chance?

“I would probably agree that Wimbledon could be the best chance [for a 25th Grand Slam title] because of the results I have had, because of how I feel, how I play in Wimbledon, just getting that extra push mentally and motivation to perform the best tennis at the highest level,” he said.

Djokovic, who enters these Championships with a 97-12 record on his hallowed Wimbledon grass, hopes it isn’t his last dance at Wimbledon, but he admits it is a possibility.

“Whether it could be my last dance, I'm not sure,” he said. “My wish is to play for several more years. I would love to be healthy physically and also mentally motivated to keep on playing at the highest level. That's the goal, but you never know at this stage.”

Djokovic has been defeated in the final by Carlos Alcaraz in successive years, in five sets in 2023 and in straight sets last year.

He hopes that his form at the majors means he’ll be able to find his way back to another final, and maybe even win it.

Grand Slams stay quite consistent, quarters or semi-finals except for the US Open. That's a good sign. These tournaments give me the biggest drive still. Australia and at Roland-Garros showed me that I can still play on a very high level at the later stages.”

Djokovic will face France’s Alexandre Muller in the first round at Wimbledon.

Emotional Evans Appreciating Every Moment of Resurgence

Posted by on

The Brit is into the quarterfinals at Eastbourne, and taking aim at the Top 100bank

By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Wednesday June 25, 2025

Dan Evans said at Roland-Garros that one of his big goals for the season was to work his way back inside the Top 100 so he can be a part of the Grand Slams.

Tennis Express

He won’t need that ranking next week at Wimbledon, where he’s been granted a wild card, but Evans took a step in that direction nevertheless on Wednesday at Eastbourne with a 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 win over American Tommy Paul.

Afterwards the 35-year-old British, a former World No.21 now ranked 170, celebrated emphatically as he took his place in the quarterfinals alongside American Jenson Brooksby.

Evans reached his first quarterfinal since 2023 with a convincing performance over the World No.13 in two hours and 13 minutes. He squandered a break advantage in the third set but quickly regained it back, then served out the match with four consecutive points from 0-15 down in the final game.

“To be honest, I felt good serving for the match,” Evans said after becoming the fifth oldest quarterfinalist in tournament history. “It was more one-love in the second where I started thinking about the finish line, which is an error.


“I just said to myself: ‘enjoy this, this is what it’s about. I played much better tennis when I stopped worrying about what he was doing.”

Evans was close to tears as he addressed the crowd after his victory. He is already up to 154 in the live rankings with today’s win, and would get close to 140 with a win over Brooksby on Thursday.

“I know I’ve done the work as well, he said. “Once I got some confidence, and I knew the work was in the bank.

“A good friend said: ‘if you are ready and the door opens, you’ll walk through it, and if you’re not, you won’t.’ There’s been no truer words for me in the past few weeks.”

Raducanu on Relationship with Alcaraz

Posted by on

"“We go back a long way," Emma Raducanu said of US Open mixed doubles partner Carlos Alcaraz.2021 US Open title

By Tennis Now | @TennisNow | Tuesday, June 24, 2025
Photo credit: Nathan Stirk/Getty for LTA

Before they were Grand Slam champions, Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu were friends.

The 2022 US Open champion Alcaraz will partner 2021 US Open title holder Raducanu in a star-studded US Open Mixed Doubles event in August.

Tennis Express

That partnership—and Raducanu's appearance to watch Alcaraz play Queen's Club last week—is prompting some media and fans to speculate its destiny the two young superstars will develop a romantic relationship.

Asked about their friendship, Raducanu told BBC "we go back a long way."

“We go back a long way and I think that we both started getting to know each other a lot in 2021,” Raducanu told BBC Sport. "We were like speaking and friends before anyone won anything.”

The pair will play for a $1 Million champion's check in the newly revamped US Open Mixed Doubles event, which features the deepest draw in Flushing Meadows Mixed Doubles history.

Asked if it's destiny the pair will be together, a smiling Raducanu laughed at the question.

"I'm glad the internet is having fun and we're providing some entertainment for everyone," Raducanu replied. 

Shelton's Top-10 Debut Makes Three Americans in the ATP's Top-10 for the First Time Since 2006

Posted by on

The Americans could have four in the coming months. Andre Agassi

By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Monday June 16, 2025

American men’s tennis continues to grow its momentum. After landing two men in the quarterfinals at Roland-Garros for the first time since 1996, the American men now have three players ranked inside the Top 10 for the first time since 2006.

Tennis Express

Enter Ben Shelton, who reached the semifinals last week in Stuttgart, and enters the Top-10 for the first time in Monday’s ATP rankings.

Shelton, 22, is the first American man born in the 2000s to achieve the feat.

Shelton is joined by Taylor Fritz, who returns to No.4 after winning the Stuttgart title, and Tommy Paul, who is at No.8, thanks to his quarterfinal run at Roland-Garros.

The last time three American men held Top 10 rankings at the same time was April 17th, 2006, when Andy Roddick was No. 4, James Blake was No. 7 and Andre Agassi was No. 10.


Shelton is the fourth ATP player – and second American, along with Paul – to make his Top-10 debut in 2024. The other two players are Jack Draper and Lorenzo Musetti.

Diallo Cracks Top-50

Canada’s Gabriel Diallo, 23, cracks the Top-50 at No.44 thanks to his title at ‘S-Hertogenbosch. Diallo became just the second Canadian to win a grass court title on Sunday, and the first since Greg Rusedski in 1993.

Italy’s Flavio Cobolli also cracks a career-high at No.24.

Zizou Bergs (+14 to No.49) and Reilly Opelka (+12 to No.75) were also among the big risers in this week’s ATP rankings. Opelka has risen over 200 spots since January. He played Brisbane at No.293 this year.

Bergs, who lost to Diallo in the ‘S-Hertogenbosh final, is back at his career-high.

Putintseva Fires Back at Sakkari on Social Media

Posted by on

"And the plot thickens," Yulia Putintseva posted over an image of Maria Sakkari.Broadcasting (NEC)

By Tennis Now | @TennisNow | Monday, June 23, 2025

Yulia Putintseva has fired back at Maria Sakkari in the latest shot in an ongoing feud. 

Tennis Express

Sakkari and Putintseva went at it after the Greek scored a 7-5, 7-6 win yesterday in Bad Homburg.

On-court microphones picked up Sakkari telling Putintseva “Nobody likes you” after the first match of the 2025 Bad Homburg Open was completed.


The pair exchanged more than those words, as Sakkari approached Putintseva to clarify what was being said.

"When you shake hands with someone, look them in the eyes," Sakkari said.

Today, on Instagram Stories, Putintseva posted two images of Sakkari from The Tennis Pulse not making eye contact with either Martina Trevisan or Emma Raducanu in their post-match handshakes. 

Putintseva added the caption: "And the plot thickens…" along with a clown emoji implying Sakkari is a clown for calling her out. 

After yesterday's on-court imbroglio, Sakkari said she respects Putintseva "as a player, but that's it."

"I don't think she's going to invite me for dinner for the rest of our lives, but I don't care, to be honest. I have very good friends and I'll go to dinner with them," Sakkari said. "Let me leave it here, and say that I have respect for her as a player, but that's it."

Well, looks like Putintseva is unwilling to leave it there and it's unlikely the pair will be breaking bread anytime soon. 

Nottingham | Kessler takes WTA 250 title, defeating Yastremska in final

Posted by on

American McCartney Kessler started the week at the WTA 250 Lexus Nottingham Open upsetting the No 1 seed, Beatriz Haddad Maia, and then 2-time defending champion Katie Boulter, amongst others, on her way to the final, where she capped it all by winning the title, easing past Ukraine’s Dayana Yastremska, 6-4 7-5, on Sunday.

The post Nottingham | Kessler takes WTA 250 title, defeating Yastremska in final appeared first on Tennis Threads Magazine.

Sakkari to Putintseva: "Nobody Likes You"

Posted by on

The Greek went on the verbal attack after her hard-fought win over Putintseva. Andy Murray

By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Sunday June 22, 2025

Maria Sakkari has taken a page from the Andy Murray playbook and called out another player.

Tennis Express

The 86th-ranked Greek wild card got into a spat with Yulia Putintseva after notching a 7-5, 7-6 win over her on Sunday in Bad Homburg. On-court microphones picked up Sakkari telling Putintseva “Nobody likes you” after the first match of the 2025 Bad Homburg Open was completed.


The pair exchanged more than those words, as Sakkari approached Putintseva to clarify what was being said.

"When you shake hands with someone, look them in the eyes," Sakkari said.

She continued her attack of the World No.27 during her post-match interview saying: "I don't think she's going to invite me for dinner for the rest of our lives, but I don't care, to be honest. I have very good friends and I'll go to dinner with them. Let me leave it here, and say that I have respect for her as a player, but that's it."

It reminds us of the time that Murray told Lukas Rosol that everybody hated him:

We’re actually not sure what is meaner: giving someone a bad handshake or telling someone that nobody likes them?

Sakkari will face either Belinda Bencic or Ekaterina Alexandrova in the second round at Bad Homburg.

Yastremska Moves Into Nottingham Final

Posted by on

Dayana Yastremska topped Magda Linette for her second final of the season.Dayana

By Tennis Now | @Tennis_Now | Saturday, June 21, 2025
Photo credit: Nathan Stirk/Getty for LTA

Dayana Yastremska continues her lawn breakthrough.

Yastremska defeated sixth-seeded Magda Linette 6-4, 6-4 to reach her first grass-court final at the Nottingham Open today.

Tennis Express

The hard-hitting Yastremska smacked five aces, won 17 of 23 second-serve points and faced just one break point in a 99-minute victory.

It's Yastremska's second final of the season following her run to the Linz final on hard court earlier this season.

World No. 46 Yastremska will play for her fourth career championship, and first since the 2019 Hua Hin, when she takes on either American McCartney Kessler or Rebecca Sramkova tomorrow.

Kessler Dethrones Nottingham Champion Boulter

Posted by on

McCartney Kessler conquered two-time Nottingham champion Katie Boulter for her first grass-court semifinal.Austin

By Tennis Now | @Tennis_Now | Friday, June 20, 2025
Photo credit: Nathan Stirk/Getty for LTA

McCartney Kessler continues her grass groove.

World No. 42 Kessler dethroned two-time Nottingham champion and home hero Katie Boulter 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 to advance to her maiden grass-court semifinal at the Nottingham Open today.

Tennis Express

Kessler saved 11 of 15 break points snapping the Briton's 12-match winning streak in Notthingham in two hours, seven minutes.

The 25-year-old American battled into her first semifinal since she fell to Jessica Pegula in the Austin final in February.

It is Kessler's second three-set win of the week as she improved to 19-14 on the season.

Kessler will play Rebecca Sramkova for a spot in Sunday's final.

Sramkova stopped seventh-seeded Linda Noskova 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 in today's final quarterfinal.

Earlier, sixth-seeded Magda Linette toppled No. 2-seeded Clara Tauson 6-2, 7-5.  

World No. 31 Linette avenged her Roland Garros first-round loss to Tauson last month.

Linette will play Dayana Yastremska in tomorrow's semifinals.

Yastremska beat former US Open finalist Leylah Fernandez 6-3, 7-6(6)—her first win over the Canadian left-hander in three meetings to reach her first grass-court semifinal.

Navratilova: WTA Wrong Permitting Trans Women to Play Women's Tennis

Posted by on

"There is no ban on trans women in sports. They just need to compete in the proper category which is the male category," Martina Navratilova tells BBC in a new interview.Ashitha Nagesh

By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Thursday, June 19, 2025
Photo credit: Avantist

Martina Navratilova says the WTA is wrong to permit transgender women to play women's tennis.

Hall of Famer Navratilova says allowing transgender women to compete against biological women not only creates an unfair playing field, it takes job opportunities away from biological women because "now a male has taken her place."

Tennis Express

In a wide-ranging new interview with BBC's Ashitha Nagesh, the former world No. 1 reiterated her long-stated stance that the WTA is wrong in allowing trans women to compete on the Tour.

"There should be no ostracism, there should be no bullying," Navratilova told BBC. "But male bodies need to play in male sports. They can still compete. There is no ban on transwomen in sports.

"They just need to compete in the proper category which is the male category. It's that simple."

The 18-time Grand Slam singles champion suggested women are being treated as second-class citizens in their own sport. Navratilova said it's frustrating and wrong that "we always seems to put trans rights ahead of women's rights."

"By including male bodies in the women's tournament, now somebody is not getting into the tournament – a woman is not getting into the tournament because now a male has taken her place," Navratilova told BBC.

For years, Navratilova has been one of the most outspoken critics of the WTA policy on trans women playing tennis, writing a controversial editorial for The Times on the topic.

Here is the WTA rule on transgender women competing on the women's tour from the WTA Rulebook:

"Eligibility conditions for biological males with a female or non-binary gender identity In cases falling within clause 2.1.2, to be eligible to compete in WTA Tournaments, a biological male with a female or non-binary gender identity must demonstrate to the satisfaction of the WTA Medical Manager that they meet each of the following requirements (together, the Eligibility Conditions): They must provide a written and signed declaration, in a form satisfactory to the WTA, that their gender identity is female or non-binary, and they must maintain a female or non-binary gender identity for so long as they wish to retain eligibility to compete in WTA Tournaments.

"Before they compete in their first WTA Tournament, the concentration of testosterone in their blood must have been below 2.5 nmol/L continuously for the previous twenty four (24) months. The concentration of testosterone in their blood must remain below 2.5 nmol/L at all times thereafter (i.e., whether they are in competition or out of competition) for so long as they wish to retain eligibility to compete in WTA Tournaments."

In a Wimbledon press conference last July, a journalist asked: "Martina, have you faced any backlash regarding your comments on women's tennis and transgender players?"

Navratilova replied: "Where have you been?

"Backlash? Where have you been? I've been jettisoned by a lot of the groups in the LGBT community," Navratilova replied. "But, you know, I've been speaking my mind for a long time. I'm not going to change that.

"Yes, it's been pretty rough. But I know I'm on the right side of history. I'm right on most people's opinion about women's sex-based spaces, and especially sports. They need to stay female."

The owner of 59 Grand Slam titles across all disciplines, Navratilova has been branded "transphobic" by some critics, who say this is a human rights issue.

The left-hander has publicly battled figures ranging from soccer star Megan Rapinoe to Harry Potter star Daniel Ratcliffe to the USTA over transgender athletes participation in women's sports.

In an interview with Time Magazine last year, Rapinoe suggested Navratilova was not only weaponizing women's sports, she implied critical comments by Navratilova, comedian Dave Chappelle and former ESPN star Sage Steele were leading to violence against trans people.  

“It’s particularly frustrating when women’s sports is weaponized,” Rapinoe told Time Magazine. “Oh, now we care about fairness? Now we care about women’s sports? That’s total b*llsh*t. And show me all the trans people who are nefariously taking advantage of being trans in sports. It’s just not happening…

"Dave Chappelle making jokes about trans people directly leads to violence, whether it’s verbal or otherwise, against trans people. When Martina or Sage or whoever are talking about this, people aren’t hearing it just in the context of elite sports. They’re saying, ‘The rest of my life, this is how I’m going to treat trans people."

Speaking at Wimbledon last July, Navratilova acknowledges it's become a political issue, but maintains she views it as a women's rights issue.

"But the politics have been kind of crazy about that. It's become very political when it shouldn't be when it comes to women's rights," Navratilova said. "We seem to put the trans rights ahead of women's rights, particularly for males that identify as women.

"Women are asked to be kind and be inclusive, yet by including transgender-identified males in women's sports, you're excluding women.

Navratilova said response to her stance has "been pretty rough in the LGBT community," but says she's also received some positive reaction.

"Anyway, it's a long story. I won't go into too many details. Yeah, it's been pretty rough in the LGBT community," Navratilova said. "But at the same time, I went to a drag queen show in Miami a couple months ago. I was wondering how it would be.

"Everybody just couldn't have been nicer, including the drag queens, including everybody else there. I felt very loved by the community as a whole, but you wouldn't think that when you hear from some of those spokespeople at these groups. I'm good where I am and I'll keep fighting the fight."

In an interview with Kara Swisher of New York Magazine's Intelligencer, Navratilova was asked why her position changed on transgender athletes competing in women's sports. Navratilova supported transgender tennis player Dr. Renee Richards playing the WTA Tour in her era. The pair are good friends and Richards later coached Navratilova.

Navratilova asserts she believes trans women will eventually dominate women's sports and says her stance is about creating a level playing field for women rather than excluding and discriminating against trans athletes.

"This is not against trans athletes. This is against male bodies competing as women, if they identify as women," Navratilova told Kara Swisher. "Many sports don’t even have any mitigation, any allowance for lowering the testosterone level, et cetera.

"But what has been proven, even when you do take those testosterone blockers or hormone therapy, even after 15 years, male bodies still retain physical advantage over women athletes.

"So we are not against trans athletes. We are for women athletes to compete in as level a playing field as possible. Which means the males, who now identify as women, should compete in a male category. And women who identify as men but don’t take testosterone can compete as women. Because there is still no advantage physically over other women athletes. That’s all that’s about."

Petra Kvitova, Dan Evans Lead Wimbledon Wild Cards

Posted by on

Two-time Wimbledon winner Petra Kvitova will return to SW19.Barbora Krejickova

By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Wednesday, June 18, 2025
Photo credit: Rob Newell/CameraSport

Petra Kvitova will return to Wimbledon this month.

Two-time Wimbledon winner Kvitova leads the list of Wimbledon wild cards announced today by Tournament Referee Denise Parnell.

Tennis Express

The left-handed Kvitova swept Maria Sharapova to win the 2011 Wimbledon title. Three years later, Kvitova crushed Eugenie Bouchard to capture her second Wimbledon championship.

Eight different women have won the last eight Wimbledon championships, including successive winners from Czechia. Barbora Krejickova is reigning Wimbledon champion. Left-hander Marketa Vondrousova raised the Rosewater Dish in 2023.

The 35-year-old Kvitova is the only non-British player receiving a main-draw singles wild card today.

On the men's side, Briton's Dan Evans is one of seven British men to receive a main-draw wild card.

"I'm the first to harp on about the wild cards. It's not just about one week or one match. It's about what you do 52 weeks of the year," Evans told the media on Monday in comments published by BBC. "Tennis is not just about the grass court season in Britain. It's great that we've got an amazing set of events, but there is other tournaments.

"I haven't been good enough at those other tournaments, but I've still been professional, still train day in, day out."

Here's the list of Wimbledon wild cards announced today.

Wimbledon Men's Main Draw Wild Cards

Jay Clarke (GBR)
Oliver Crawford (GBR)
Dan Evans (GBR) 
George Loffhagen (GBR)
Johannus Monday (GBR)
Jack Pinnington Jones (GBR)
Henry Searle (GBR)
One more to be announced 

Wimbledon Ladies' Main Draw Wild Cards

Jodie Burrage (GBR)
Harriet Dart (GBR)
Francesca Jones (GBR)
Hannah Klugman (GBR)
Petra Kvitova (CZE)
Mike Stojsavljevic (GBR)
Heather Watson (GBR)
Mingge Xu (GBR)

Wimbledon is set for June 30-July 13th.

Sabalenka on RG Reaction: Completely Unprofessional

Posted by on

"I absolutely regret what I said back then," Aryna Sabalenka said of her controversial comments after losing the Roland Garros final.Aryna Sabalenka

By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Tuesday, June 17, 2025
Photo credit: Julien DeRosa-AFP-Getty

Reality has induced regret in Aryna Sabalenka.

World No. 1 Sabalenka calls her behavior after her Roland Garros final loss to Coco Gauff "completely unprofessional" and shared she wrote a letter to the two-time Grand Slam champion apologizing for her behavior.

Tennis Express

The US Open champion said while we all have bad days at work "the difference with me is…I get a lot more hate for what I did."

"I absolutely regret what I said back then," Sabalenka told Eurosport Germany. "You know, we all make mistakes. I’m just a human being who’s still learning in life. "I think we all have those days when we lose control.

"The difference with me is, the world is watching. I get a lot more hate for what I did than other people."

In the first French Open final between the world’s top two women in 12 years, No. 2 Gauff was simply too tough for No. 1 Sabalenka at crunch time.

A resilient Coco Gauff combated Sabalenka’s fierce power with pure poise pulling off a 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-4 comeback to capture her maiden Roland Garros championship in a thriller.

Afterward, the world’s best player called it her worst final.

“It was really honestly the worst tennis I've played in the last, I don't know, in the last I don't know how many month,” Sabalenka told the media in Paris afterward. “Conditions were terrible, and she simply was better in these conditions than me.

"I think it was the worst final I ever played.”

Sabalenka, who struggled to cope with whipping winds and an unrelenting Gauff's comprehensive court coverage, took criticism afterward for what some felt were ungracious and classless comments.

The top-seeded Sabalenka committed 70 unforced errors. Sabalenka said at times she felt the tennis universe was playing a cosmic joke on her with Gauff’s running retrievals turning her damaging drives into punch lines.

“I mean, honestly sometimes it felt like she was hitting the ball from the frame,” Sabalenka said. “Somehow magically the ball lands in the court, and you kind of, like, on the back foot.

“It felt like a joke, honestly, like somebody from above was just staying there laughing, like, let's see if you can handle this. And I couldn't today.”

Reflecting on her comments, Sabalenka said she was upset after a physically and emotionally draining defeat and spoke out of frustration.

Since then, Sabalenka said she has apologized to Gauff.

"I was super emotional and not very smart at that press conference," Sabalenka added. "It took me a while to revisit it, to approach it with open eyes, and to understand. I realized a lot about myself. Why did I lose so many finals? I kept getting so emotional.

"So I learned a lot. Above all, one thing: I’m the one who always treats my opponents with great respect - whether I win or lose.

"Without that respect, I wouldn’t be where I am today. So it was a tough but very instructive lesson for me."

Zheng Qinwen Cracks Top-4, 17-Year-Old Jovic Reaches Top 100

Posted by on

The Chinese star hits a new career-high after her semifinal run at Queen's Club. Bianca Andreescu

By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Monday June 16, 2025

Zheng Qinwen has become the second Chinese woman to hold a Top-4 ranking. Only two-time major champion Li Na, who topped out at No.2, has done better.

22-year-old Zheng, who reached the semifinals at Queen’s Club last week, leapfrogs Jasmine Paolini in Monday’s WTA rankings.

Tennis Express

Zheng is the fourth woman born in the 2000s to hold a Top-4 ranking, along with Bianca Andreescu, Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek.

Maria Biggest Mover

The biggest riser inside the WTA’s Top-100 is Tatjana Maria, who jumps 43 spots to No.43 after claiming the title in Queen’s. The 37-year-old German is one spot shy of her career-high ranking, and is the oldest player inside the Top 100.

Jovic Cracks Top 100

Torrance, California native Iva Jovic won the 125K event in Ilkley, defeating Rebecca Marino in the final, and thus rises 26 spots to No.89 in the world. The American is the only player that has not turned 18 to rank inside of the WTA’s Top 200.

Only two teenagers – Mirra Andreeva and Maya Joint – currently rank higher than Jovic.